Unhappy

Why everything have to messed up in one time? The moment together is now shorter and shorter but why it doesn't seem to care?

我真的很不开心！一下子姐姐回来，一下子要去香港旅行，一下子二哥又回来！整天陪这个陪那个！那我明年也要离开了，你为什么就不能陪我多一点？病倒时才来关心我，最需要休息的时候拼命打来，传短信来。要你打来时，又陪别人，我很不甘心！我姐姐哥哥回来时，我有不理过你吗！连我最后一个生日，都是在骂着我度过，你到底有没有良心？

Gastritis

Introduction:

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Many things can cause gastritis. Most often the cause is infection with the same bacteria -- Helicobacter pylori -- that causes stomach ulcers. An autoimmune disorder, a backup of bile into the stomach, or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can also cause gastritis. In some cases, the stomach lining may be "eaten away," leading to sores (peptic ulcers) in the stomach or first part of the small intestine. Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). In most cases, gastritis does not permanently damage the stomach lining.

Signs and Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of gastritis are stomach upset and pain. Other possible symptoms include:

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting, possibly of blood or material that looks like coffee-grounds
• Dark stools

Causes:

Gastritis

can be caused by infection, irritation, autoimmune disorders (where the body' s immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach), or backflow of bile into the stomach (bile reflux). Gastritis can also be caused by a blood disorder called pernicious anemia.

Infections can be caused by:

• Bacteria (usually Helicobacter pylori)
• Virus (including herpes simplex virus)
• Parasite
• Fungus

A number of things can cause irritation, including:

• Long-term use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
• Alcohol use
• Cigarette smoking
• Chronic vomiting
• Coffee and acidic beverages
• Too much stomach acid (such as from stress)
• Eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances (such as poisons)
• Trauma (for example, radiation treatments or having swallowed a foreign object)

Other causes for gastritis are very rare. These include:

• Systemic disease (for example, Crohn's disease)
• Sarcoidosis

Risk Factors:

• Infection with H. pylori
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Any condition that requires relief from chronic pain using NSAIDS, such as chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, or arthritis
• Alcoholism
• Cigarette smoking
• Older age

Diagnosis:

Several tests can be used to make a diagnosis. These include endoscopy of the stomach, where a thin tube with a light and a camera on the end is inserted down your throat to your stomach. This allows the doctor to see into your stomach and take samples (called a biopsy) from the lining if needed. The laboratory tests you may need will depend on the cause of your gastritis. A stool test may be used to check for the presence of blood, or a biopsy may be taken of the tissues of your esophagus or stomach. A breath test may detect H. pylori, or samples from your esophagus or stomach may be taken to look for this bacteria.

Prevention:

Making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding the long-term use of alcohol, NSAIDs, coffee, and drugs, may help prevent gastritis and its complications (such as a peptic ulcer). Reducing stress through relaxation techniques -- including yoga, tai chi, and meditation -- can also be helpful.

Treatment:

Treatment of gastritis depends on the cause of the problem. Some cases of gastritis may resolve by themselves over time, or be relieved when you stop drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or taking NSAIDs. You may need to change your diet, although doctors now know that a bland diet isn' t required. If your gastritis is due to H. pylori infection, you will be given antibiotics.

Lifestyle

The treatment for gastritis that is caused by irritants is to stop using them. These include:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Acidic beverages such as coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), carbonated beverages, and fruit juices with citric acid
• NSAIDS, such as aspirin and ibuprofen -- switch to other pain relievers (like acetaminophen)

These steps may also help:

• Eat a fiber-rich diet.
• Foods containing flavonoids, like apples, celery, cranberries (including cranberry juice), onions, garlic, and tea may stop the growth of H. pylori.
• Avoid high-fat foods. In animal studies, high-fat foods increase inflammation in the stomach lining.

Medications

If you have H. pylori, you will probably be prescribed three medications. "Triple therapy," including a proton pump inhibitor to reduce acid production and two antibiotics, is commonly used to treat H. pylori-related gastritis and ulcers. Bismuth salicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may be used instead of the second antibiotic. This drug, available over the counter, coats and soothes the stomach, protecting it from the damaging effects of acid. Two-drug regimens are currently being developed.

Some of the same drugs are used for non-H. pylori gastritis as well as for symptoms (like indigestion) due to ulcers:

Antacids -- Available over the counter, they may relieve heartburn or indigestion but will not treat an ulcer. Antacids may block medications from being absorbed and thereby decrease the medicine's effectiveness. It is recommended to take antacids at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking medications. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information. Antacids include:

• Aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel, AlternaGEL)
• Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips' Milk of Magnesia)
• Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox, Mylanta)
• Calcium carbonate (Rolaids, Titralac, Tums)
• Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer)

H2 blockers -- reduce gastric acid secretion. They include:

• Cimetidine (Tagemet)
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
• Nizatidine (Axid)
• Famotidine (Pepcid)

Proton-pump inhibitors -- decrease gastric acid production. They include:

• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
• Rabeprazole (Aciphex)

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Doctors used to recommend eating bland foods with milk and only small amounts of food with each meal. Researchers now know that such a diet isn' t required to treat gastritis or ulcers.

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

• Foods containing flavonoids, like apples, celery, cranberries (including cranberry juice), onions, garlic, and tea may inhibit the growth of H. pylori.
• Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
• Eat foods high in B-vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
• Use healthy oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
• Avoid beverages that may irritate the stomach lining or increase acid production including coffee (with or without caffeine), alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
• Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.
• Identify and eliminate food allergies.

The following supplements may help with digestive health:

• A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil 2 - 3 times daily -- may help decrease inflammation. Fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take aspirin or other anticoagulants (blood-thinners), talk to your doctor before taking fish oil.
• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus ), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day -- Probiotics or “friendly” bacteria may help maintain a balance in the digestive system between good and harmful bacteria such as H. pylori. Probiotics may help suppress H. pylori infection and may also help reduce side effects from taking antibiotics, the treatment for an H. pylori infection. Some probiotic supplements may need to be refrigerated for best results.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

• Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) 400 mg twice daily -- Some preliminary research suggests cranberry may inhibit H. pylori growth in the stomach.
• Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) standardized extract, 1,000 - 2,000 mg daily in divided dosages -- Mastic is a traditional treatment for peptic ulcers and inhibits H. pylori in test tubes. More studies are needed to see whether it works in humans.
• DGL-licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg 3 times daily, chewed either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals -- may help protect against stomach damage from NSAIDs. Glycyrrhizin is a chemical found in licorice that causes side effects and drug interactions. DGL is deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) standardized, enteric coated tablet, 1 tablet 2 - 3 times daily -- may help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcer. Each tablet contains 0.2 ml peppermint oil. Be sure to use the enteric coated form to avoid heartburn.

Homeopathy

Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of gastritis symptoms (such as nausea and vomiting) based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account your constitution -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for you individually.

• Pulsatilla -- for heartburn, queasiness, a bad taste in the mouth brought on by eating rich foods and fats (especially ice cream); symptoms may include vomiting partly digested food. This remedy is most appropriate for someone whose tongue is coated with a white or yellow substance.
• Ipecacuahna -- for persistent and severe nausea, with or without vomiting and diarrhea, caused by an excess of rich or fatty foods.
• Carbo vegetabilis -- for bloating and indigestion, especially with flatulence and fatigue.
• Nux vomica -- for heartburn, nausea, retching without vomiting, and sour burps caused by overeating, alcohol use, or coffee drinking. This remedy is most appropriate for people who also feel irritable and sensitive to noise and light.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help reduce stress and improve overall digestive function.

Other Considerations:

Go back to your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or get worse. Do not ignore potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as vomiting blood or blood in your stool. Blood in the stool can be hard to see. The stools may simply look very dark, even black. Be sure to see your health care provider regularly, and call your doctor if there is any change in your symptoms.

If you are on both antibiotics and vitamin B12, take them at different times of day. Vitamin B12 interferes with antibiotic absorption.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should ask your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.

Prognosis and Complications

Symptoms of H. pylori infection usually get better with treatment. Your doctor will likely want to see you again 4 weeks or more after stopping your drug regimen. Follow-up is very important, because the H. pylori bacteria may increase risk of stomach cancer.

Peptic ulcers may develop when stomach acid damages the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (called the duodenum). These ulcers can usually be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.

Alternative Names:

Stomach inflammation

• Reviewed last on: 9/8/2009
• Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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J-Card Day

Mom was nagging to me about the argues with dad this early morning. She told me the cupcakes bought at Tong kee has been throw when I was searching to have them as my breakfast. I was so mad ! Early morning all the bad news has ruined my beautiful morning. So I went upstairs with my oat milk and bang on the door.

After sometime I got down stairs and saw the note mom apologizes to me with MYR600 for me to do scope in TDMC. Mom went out and came back around 11:45am, she has cool down herself so I invited her to go Mid Valley because today is J-card day and second reason, she keep asking me whether Aunt Jennie place have the scope test or not. Quickly, she finished up her lunch and we left the house with umbrella and wait for the bus in the station. After 15 minutes later, the bus came.

First thing to do after we have arrived is buy biscuits and water in Jusco in case for my stomachache to take medicine. Apparently, there are so many people in Jusco because J-Card Day. Next, we head to Jusco Ground Floor and start to search for the bargain items. Mom couldn't found any nice shoe for herself. Then, we went to the bra section. It was my real first time was attended by the promoter and from her experience, I learn wearing my very first correct bra. It's really great experience for me because I have never taught to wear correct way by my mom. There are nothing to be shy about this :) However, mom was very annoying because she waited very long outside. And the cost of the bra is not cheap! MYR100+ per piece is definite not something we affordable to buy. Currently, they having another different color with limited stock available. MYR130 for two and for the beige color that only left one available, so I have to replace another another piece with laces and to support my back. Due to my body shape is too thin so I need to wear something to support my back to prevent hunchback getting worse. You see, it is such a great knowledge for a female to have their bra wearing properly. It will be very important for your whole life unless you are worsen than "agua" haha

I also bought two long sleeves shirt to bring over to Melbourne for cold weather wears. After that, I need to collect the 20Ringgit voucher in front of the entrance. I'm very thankful that my mom is there with me. We went to iHeal Medical Center, Aunt Jennie place after shopping. Unfortunately, she has went to Macau with uncle Paul for holiday until tomorrow she will only be back to office. So, I asked the receptionist about the iHeal Friends program for MYR10 joining fees. Then, mom was only attended by another colleague. The MYR10 is only left for these two month because is for this year. By next year, we need to pay 100 and only deductible by asking more friends to join and must use the CT Scan service. Mom thought it was not worthy because we have to pay 100 for joining fees starting next year. The scope charges here is really expensive! MYR1900 for both upper and lower and 800 for lower part only. =.= TDMC only cost MYR600!

We decided to have tea-break around 3:30pm at Toast box. Mom ordered a set and we shared it together. We have some small talk and go to Robinson for a look. She bought a plastic case for placing all the cutlery in new kitchen cabinet drawer. It sticker showed that was made from Italy don't know whether is true or not.

Gastric getting serious and there are needs to go hospital to seek doctor. Mom fetch dad from LRT station and drive me straightaway to TDMC. I need to go for out-patient department to register and nurse check my blood pressure and body temperature before consult by the doctor. The Indian doctor then see and check my stomach area. I can hear it sounds a lot of wind inside and the thing keep annoy me is PAIN! Butterfly in stomach usually describe on people who feeling nervous. But for me, I felt like a bee sting inside my stomach wall everywhere... T_T

I explained that my problem occur since last month so I takes meal more regularly but less portion because I couldn't finish it. The doctor eye tells me that she's unbelievable =( I have these serious pain in last midnight that caused me awake, so how possible that I don't eat anything that might cause sharp pain again? Finally, I also asked for appointment with specialist to do scope for tomorrow, Dr.Tan. She wrote me an recommendation letter and made appointment at the admin department to register again. This time they charged me MYR104.30 for consultation, procedure, medicine and also admin fee. It is not very costly compare to private clinic in OUG but the injection cause my backside pain. I will have to fast starting 11pm until tomorrow that I finish the scope. I feel satisfied after the injection, my stomachache stopped. Mom finally saw me laughing and joking around and not worrying about me now.

Meet Ed and we went to sweet deli near Maybank to have a small talk. Before that, I called Maxis and report the problem about internet usage. Final report was made and need to call back on Saturday to check the result because they have to send to financial department to work it out. They charged 600,000kb but in total they free 1.5GB usage for me and 600,000kb not even reach 1GB but only 0.6GB =.= so how could they charge me and want me to pay extra 200 out of 3000? Insane !